Best Men’s Hiking Sandals

Updated on: August 17, 2017

Choosing a good pair of hiking sandals shouldn’t be that difficult, as long as you know for sure some things before you go shopping.

There are many models of hiking sandals out there and you might get confused with so many options. You need to know when and where you’re going to use your hiking sandals and if some features are a must or not. Waterproofness, resistance to heavy use, a slip-resistance sole or a sole that takes all the rocky trails- these are the things to keep in mind when shopping for hiking sandals.

True fact: sandals are the oldest shoe design in our world. So, they do have some history behind, therefore the many models and options nowadays.

The basics

Unlike women sandals, the men’s hiking sandals in two major categories: open design and closed design (that look a lot like shoes). The more you read the men’s hiking sandals reviews, the more you’re going to realize that there are ups and downs for each type of sandals.

Open design hiking sandals are lighter, with a simple design and a lower volume. You can slip easily a pair in your backpack if you want to use it as camp shoes. Additionally, the open design hiking sandals are long lasting and highly breathable. Best of these sandals are also compact and need very little space for storage, which makes them great when backpacking.

Good quality open hiking sandals dry fast and may take some swimming also.

And, if this type of sandals is durable and easy to travel with, the main downside is they are not able to provide much ankle support or protection against the elements. The large toe cap has to suffer, but the more protection you get in this area, the more weight you gain.

It seems that closed design men’s hiking sandals are more and more popular and this is why the open design ones are always changing and gaining new features. Some open hiking sandals feature a toe-loop that eliminates the need for a closed-design shoe. Your foot is still exposed to debris and rouge rocks, though.

The open design hiking sandals are the good option for the short-distances hikes or in the case of non-technical hikes. In order to be able to take this type to the next level of hiking, you need to have some experience- as long as you don’t want to end up with bloody toes.

In the end, you need to give a really good though on your needs and abilities when choosing open design hiking sandals. If you want your toes to breathe, enjoy the fresh air, when walking the dog in the nearby forest, they are a good choice. If you need, instead, some ankle support for the rocky trails, these sandals are to be avoided.

The first obvious quality of the closed design hiking sandals is the protection they offer against rocks, sticks, debris or other elements. This feature goes the other way around also: the closed design hiking sandals keep inside any pesky if they breach.

You can use the closed design hiking sandals for medium-distance hikes and…if you don’t care much about the style, you can even use them with socks. They come with a rugged sole, lacing system and…a bit more weight to it.

The closed design hiking sandals have multiple features that may become downsides at some point. They may feature laces, buckles, Velcro straps, insole, midsole and a toe cap that is as durable as in the case of open design hiking sandals. These hiking sandals have stitching on the outside, panels of cloth that are/are not as durable as the rest of the sandals.

The closed design hiking sandals may be used when fly fishing, crossing some creeks or for your whitewater kayaking.

Closing thoughts

There are ups and downs for each type of hiking sandals and it’s obviously that the best thing you can do when you start shopping is to make a clear image on your hiking needs and likings.

An open sandal should be your choice when using it as a casual wearing sandal, river sandal or light hiking. A closed design is the better option though for a dry suit, for instance. If you tend to catch roots, sticks or rocks most of the time, they are also there for you.

So, take a closer look on your needs and on yourself before sticking with a new pair of hiking sandals.

Top 5 Men’s Hiking Sandal Reviews

The sandals are made of 65% synthetic polyurethane and 25% Lycra and don’t need time to break in. they don’t give any blisters in time either.

The rubber sole gives you good stability on many various hiking trails. The sandals are gripping and may take all rocky, challenging paths. They are versatile and may be used in many outdoor activities, even canoeing or kayaking.

The New Balance Appalachian have fixed back strap and are a good option for a flat foot also. the stretchy bungee lacing makes it easy for you to put/take off the sandals.

The rubber toe bumper protects your toe and the sandals are comfortable even for long wear. They feel lightweight and have a very good build. As a matter of fact, the sandals are very well made and take the heavy use.

The sandals have slight arch, which makes them good for a great variety of feet. They fit good and leave a sturdy feeling.

Let’s make a short list of pros:

The sandals are made of soft, yet durable materials

The sandals don’t need to break in and give no blisters

The sandals are versatile and functional in many outdoor activities

It’s easy to put on/take off the sandals

There are some cons, though:

The sandals run a bit large so the narrow foot needs some socks for it

The elastic laces are a bit thin

Apart from the small cons, the sandals are still a reliable, versatile, comfortable pair of hiking sandals for any hiker.

The sandals have a very simple, yet highly efficient design and a sturdy build that makes them able to take even the challenging hiking experiences.

The Chaco Z1 Unaweep are open design textile sandals that come with a synthetic sole. The non-marking Unaweep outsole features Vibram tc-1 and 45 mm lugs for efficient traction and stability on dry and wet surfaces just as well. The durable Vibram Unaweep outsole takes you safely on muddy trails and granite at the same time.

The polyester jacquard webbing upper goes around the foot and through the midsole so that you can get the best fit. The high tensile webbing is long lasting and the heel is protected. The custom injection molded ladder lock gives a safe hold. The foot bed is made of durable polyurethane with slip resistant diamond pattern design. The BioCentric foot bed ensures a biomechanically right contour so the foot aligns from heel strike to toe off.

The heel cup is well designed and the padding underneath the heels gives natural heel cushioning that works along with the lightweight polyurethane midsole.

Even though you might find a bit complicated the innovative pull through strap system, you will appreciate in time the adjustment this system gives with just one buckle. The straps are connected to each other underneath the foot so there is no strap blowout when you expect it the least.

The arch support is amazing and the sandals have a great build.

Let’s pinpoint the main pros:

The sandals are versatile and reliable

The sandals give good traction and are grippy on all kinds of terrains

The sandals are highly adjustable

The sandals are comfortable and sturdy

On the other hand, there are also some cons:

You might need some practice until you learn to get the best out of the strap system

The straps are quite long

Despite the minor cons, the sandals are still a great, efficient, versatile pair of hiking sandals for men.

if you are looking for long lasting, comfortable open design hiking sandals, the Keen Men’s Daytona Sandalsare a pair to consider.

The sandals are made of leather and textile and need no time to break in. They are comfortable from the first wear and give you no blisters.

The leather upper with mesh lining is ready to take the heavy use and the sandals manage the challenging hiking. The non-marking rubber outsole is efficient also. The Nubuck leather upper is also waterproof and you can safely take the sandals under the water.

The synthetic sole is thick enough to ensure good stability. The bungee single-pull lacing system is easy to use and lets you adjust the sandals for the perfect fit. The hydrophobic mesh lining and the natural cork foot bed are not only comfortable, but also keep bad odor from building up.

The sandals run true to size and are comfortable to wear even without socks. They are very well made and lightweight. The flexibility is dependable and the sandals are built to last.

The design is very masculine and this is downside as it is an upside for some

The sandals are bit heavy weight

Durable, comfortable, waterproof and versatile, the Keen Daytona are especially made for the dedicated men hiker.

For the hiker that just know he’s going to get wet sooner or later when hiking, a good pair of waterproof hiking sandals is the natural choice. The Merrell Men’s Mojave Sport Sandalsare ready to take you not only on a sticky weather, but also for your steep climbs.

The sandals feature Neoprene lining that keeps chafing at distance. The lugs are grippy so the sandals bite the rugged terrains anytime, even in wet situations.

As the upper is made of synthetic, the sandals are comfortable from the very first time. It’s easy to put them on/take off since they come with hook and strap closure. Additionally, the sandals become highly adjustable so you can get to the perfect fit.

The Neoprene lining also means padding for more comfort when wearing the sandals. The molded nylon arch shank also contributes to you feeling nice after an entire day of hiking. The EVA midsole ensures good, nice cushioning. The Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock which means the sandals take you nicely through the rockiest hike experiences. The air cushion in the heel brings also stability when hiking.

The sandals are very well made and look durable. They have a classical appearance and are open design hiking sandals. It’s very easy to put them on/take off.

Let’s highlight the main pros:

The sandals are comfortable and versatile

The stability and heel support is efficient

The sandals take the heavy use and the challenging trails

The sandals are highly adjustable

When it comes to the cons, there are only a few:

The color combination is not various

The sandals could use better arch support

Apart from the minor issues, the sandals are still a dependable, versatile and long lasting pair of hiking sandals for the classical fan hiker.

When you are dedicated to your hiking and don’t want to buy every summer a new pair of hiking sandals, don’t hesitate to take it to the next level. Get yourself some hiking sandals that are made to last for some good year and can take some heavy use.

Even though they are made of leather and textile, the Ecco Yucatan don’t need time to break in. As a matter of fact, they are ready to wear out of the box and don’t ever give hot spots.

The rubber sole gives the sandals stability. The sandals are made of high quality materials and are not only flexible, but also very sturdy. They have high grip and efficient traction on many trails.

The direct injected polyurethane midsole with rubber outsole mean more comfort for your feet, no matter how rouged or rocky the trail is. The full length receptor technology used on sandals is efficient and they have good balance. The dual density Agion treated covered ethyl vinyl acetate foot bed keeps bad smells away. The lining material keeps your feet fresh and it’s stretch-fit.

The Nubuck leather uppers are long lasting and able to take the heavy duty jobs. The sandals come in nice colors and have a classic appearance. The Velcro makes the sandals highly adjustable so that you can obtain the perfect fit.

The sandals have good cushioning and are very comfortable. They are also very well made and highly durable.

Let’s make a very short list of pros:

The sandals are long lasting and made for the heavy use

The sandals are comfortable and reliable for the heavy hikes

The stability and traction are efficient

The sandals are very well made of high quality materials

On the other hand, there are also some cons:

They might seem pricey for some

Some think you should go up a size when ordering

Even so, the Ecco Yucatan are a long lasting, versatile, heavy duty pair of hiking sandals.

Best men hiking sandals for the money/best value

The sandals are made in our USA or imported and are made of synthetic and mesh. The sandals feature rubber sole that give good traction in many various situations and non-marking outsole for more stability.

The closed-toe design sandals feature a bungee lacing system so that you can get the perfect fit. You can easily put on/take off the sandals thanks to the quick-release buckle and the adjustable hook-and-loop strap.

Best cheap/budget men hiking sandals

The open design sandals are made of textile and feature a synthetic sole.

The Teva Hurricane XLT are classical sport looking sandals that come with nylon straps for the better fit. The straps are strong and of high quality and you can rely on them when trying to get the perfect fit.

The sandals feature a lugged outsole that provides pretty good traction in many situations. The contoured drop-in EVA foot bed supports your foot and ensures good comfort even for an entire day.

The Velcro on the sandals is efficient as it is strong and pretty sticky. The tread on the soles is quite resilient and you can rely on the sandals in many outdoor activities.

The sandals have a minimalistic, yet ageless, design and are lightweight.

Let’s make a short list of pros:

The sandals have minimalistic, classic design

The sandals are functional and versatile

The straps and Velcro are strong and the Velcro is sticky

The sandals are lightweight and comfortable

As always, there are also some cons:

The comfort could be improved

The sandals need a bit of time to break in

All in all, for the little money you pay, you get a reliable, versatile pair of hiking sandals easy to travel around with.

Best men’s hiking sandals for flat feet

Just because you have flat feet, doesn’t mean you can’t do whatever you want. It just means you need to put a little more effort into finding the shoes that give you comfort when you hike.

The flat feet may benefit from the Teva Men’s Abbett Sandalsas they are spacious enough to fit your orthotic device inserts to provide better comfort on your hikes.

The sandals are made of synthetic so they don’t need time to break in.

The rubber sole provides good stability on all kinds of terrain. The tread feels nice and grippy so you can also take the rugged, rocky trails. The Dubrasion rubber outsole provides efficient traction on so many types of trails.

The enclosed toe box sandals protect your toes and keep the elements outside of them. The pull-cord lacing system, along with the stretchy topline, is functional and let you obtain the perfect fit. The Shoc Pad in heel gives good support to the heel, even on the most challenging paths. The contoured EVA foam midsole brings comfort and the Microban zinc-based antimicrobial treatment keeps away the bad smell.

The sandals are breathable. They are very well made and seem to have a long life span. They are versatile and can take the fall hiking.

Here are the most important pros:

The sandals are spacious enough to fit some orthotic device inserts

The sandals provide good stability and comfort

The sandals are grippy and have good traction

The sandals are well made and breathable

Some cons do stand out, though:

The sandals look a bit bulky

They tend to get a tad smell in time

All in all, for flat feet, the Teva Abbett are versatile, dependable sandals to get.

Best men’s lightweight hiking sandals

It’s all clear for any hiker, that open design hiking sandals are typically lighter than the closed design ones. But, it seems that just choosing an open design sandals is not enough for some and…you want less weight than that also. The Columbia Men’s Ventero Sandalssucceed in being lightweight and still able to take your hikes, providing efficient stability on all kinds of trails.

The sandals are made of leather synthetic and this doesn’t mean you need to break them in. It only means they will eventually give you the best fit, blister free though.

The active sandals are versatile and can take you in so many places, not only on your typical hiking trails. They feature double hook-and-loop straps that help you get the customized fit, easily.

The non-marking Omni-Grip outsole provides efficient traction for the sandals and stability. The sole is grippy and the sandals are reliable when hiking.

The midsole ports ensure air ventilation so the sandals are highly breathable.

The sandals are highly adjustable and lightweight. They are very well made and look very nice. They fit wide feet also.

The sandals have a solid build and come at a fair price.

Let’s sum it all up and list our pros:

The sandals are lightweight, yet solid

The sandals have a good grip and give good traction

The sandals are highly adjustable and comfortable

The sandals look nice and are versatile

As for the cons, the list isn’t long:

The arch support is not very good

Some encountered some blisters

All in all, as they are lightweight, reliable and providing good stability, the sandals are a good choice for your summer hikes.

Best men’s hiking sandals for plantar fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis, finding the right, comfortable pair of hiking sandals might be a challenge, to say the least. The Teva Men’s Katavi Outdoor Sandalshave just enough cushion to provide the comfort you want from hiking sandals and are able to take light hiking, for quite some time.

The sandals are made with suede and mesh, which implies they need to be broken in. This doesn’t take long though and, once they’ve passed this, they give you the perfect and comfortable fit.

The rubber sole of the sandals is ready to give support and good stability when hiking, without feeling discomfort on rocky, rugged trails. The nylon shank delivers good stability, even on rocky trails.

The open-toe design of the sandals means the breathability is great and there is minimum risk for bad odors or hot spots. The three adjustable hook-and-loop straps are strong and long lasting. They help you get the perfect fit. The sandals are easy to put on/take off thanks to the rear pull-on loop.

The sandals have enough cushion to comfort the plantar fasciitis foot and give you a pain-free hiking experience.

The Teva Katavi have a good build and look nice. They are very well made and feature good heel adjustment. The sandals run true to size.

Here are the most important pros:

The sandals have enough cushion to give comfort for plantar fasciitis foot

The sandals are made of suede and mesh

The straps and Velcro give the right fit and make the sandals easy to put on/take off

The Durabrasion rubber outsole brings stability even on rocky trails

On the other hand, there are some cons we have to remind:

The sandals are not the best choice for the narrow foot

The straps could be longer

Apart from the minor cons, the Teva Katavi make a nice option when you struggle with plantar fasciitis.

Best men’s hiking sandals with arch support

Finding hiking sandals that are comfortable and dependable is not that difficult, but finding a pair that provides the arch support that you want, might become a little trickier. The Keen Men’s Arroyo II Sandalsdeliver not only great arch support, but also durability and ability to take your summer hikes.

The Keen Arroyo II are made in our USA or imported. As they are made of leather and fabric, they might need a day to be broken in.

The closed design sport sandals feature a rubber sole that gives you stability when hiking. The multi-directional lug outsole gives good grip in all kinds of terrains. You get good traction with the sandals. The bungee lacing system is efficient and the rear pull-on loop helps you put on/take off sandals even faster.

The patented rubber toe cap is comfortable and the design ensures ventilation. The sandals are breathable and don’t smell in time.

The S3 heel support structure means more comfort when hiking, especially on the challenging rocky trails.

Even though the sandals are made of leather and mesh, they give no blisters or hot spots, even after long wear.

The stitching is very solid and the sandals are made to last. They run true to size.

Let’s pinpoint the main pros:

The sandals are made with waterproof suede and mesh

The sandals feature removable EVA foot bed for better arch support

The S3 heel support gives great stability and comfort

The sandals take the rocky, challenging trails

Some cons have to be mentioned, though:

The sandals are a bit wide

The lacing system is not always efficient in getting the right fit

As they are durable, comfortable, with good stability and great arch support, the Keen Arroyo II are a dependable option when in need for this type of hiking sandals

Best men’s outdoor hiking sandals

Some of the most popular men’s hiking sandals out there for their performance, but also for their looks, the Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandalsmay be the best choice for most hikers.

The closed design men’s hiking sandals are made of textile and synthetic, either in our USA or imported.

They feature a synthetic sole and a washable polyester webbing upper.

The sandals feature multi-directional lug pattern which makes them grippy and able to provide great traction on all kinds of challenging trails. The non-marking rubber outsole give you stability in various situations.

The Keen Newport H2 are supportive and provide efficient arch support. The waterproof upper let you walk across the rivers and not avoid any ponds.

The bungee lace system help you get the fit you want, in a comfortable way. The washable polyester webbing upper gives the sandals longer life span, at the same time.

The sandals have a rugged build and are comfortable to wear an entire day. They look good also and feature a wide toe bed.

The breathability is good, considering they are closed design sandals.

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